Motivation for the Masses

As I pen this note to my 2 faithful readers,I am watching an episode of “Saved by the Bell”. The students were in class and all had presentations to make to explore a real business that they will start.

After each presentation,the teacher asked if the student if the really believed in the product? When the response was positive , the teacher gave each student an envelope with $100 USD as seed money. He told them to plant that seed and make it grow. He reminded the students to remain motivated.

The next order of business was to get a name for it ,followed by appointment of Presidents. Initially the friends ,the stars of the show ,decided to make “friendship bracelets “. The students believed that their ideas were worth millions. After one week,the students had to explain the progress of their respective businesses.the students reported on net profits and marketing strategies.

I was amazed that such a course existed and the time frame was in the 90’s. This will make a great change to our economy in Trinidad. Students will become empowered,and after graduating they can pursue their business full time . There many degree holders who are unemployed because they lack soft skills , or income generating skills.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

My 5 year old neighbor asked me if I had to work today,I told her that it was a Saturday and I did not have to go to the office. She then asked me to describe my tasks during the day.I told her that I sat at a desk,used a computer,made presentations. I told her that there were no toys or snacks or nap time. She said she did not like the sound of the office.

I then asked her what type of work she would like to do when she grew up. She told me that she wanted to work in a company selling fried chicken,she called the same name of the place where her mother worked. She was not sure what she wanted to do specifically . She added that she would work and go to school. I asked her to explain,she indicated that by going to school , she would get a better job.

I was shocked. So I engaged her further . I asked her what she would do with the money that she earned from her job . She plainly said “pay bills”. I was mortified. At 5 years old she captured the dilemma of the current struggle. I analyzed her household , her mother worked at the fried chicken company,her grandmother worked at a security firm. Her 17 year old sister graduated from high school and she was at home . I know that it was only a matter of time before she started working on a plantation.

Strange times indeed. I told the 5 year old that she could own the building that housed the friend chicken company, I reminded her that she was smart and could be anything that she wanted to do . She smiled. I extend the same courtesy to you , you were meant for so much more than a job to pay bills . You can rule your destiny.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

He shouted profanities at each passerby and they crossed the street in fear or in search of safety. He did not appear to be homeless because his clothes looked clean and he was walking with a sense of direction,unlike homeless persons who tend to wander.

I hastily crossed as I usually do to avoid vehicles splashing water on me. “Run” he screamed and then repeated himself. He asked who did I think I was ? I then asked myself silently . We were walking on parallel sides of the street but I heard him clearly. He said “You are in a rat race,time, time,time “. He was obviously annoyed by the working class. He said “Run to get to your jobs, time to get to work,time to sleep, time to eat.” He exclaimed that time was our god.

I crossed Independence Square and I continued walking down Charlotte Street. I thought that I lost him,he then sped past me and continued his soliloquy. He said “Render unto Caesar, what is due to him”. I must admit that everything that he said was true. As he disappeared into a supermarket,I noticed the hardened, visible veins on his legs.

I then reflected that every day the working masses sell their time for a bribe to forget their dreams. Their ambitions are eroded by “Conflict of Interest” clauses in their employment contracts. Get out the rat race.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

She was advised that her position was made redundant and that her services were no longer required. She spent 12 years at the bank. She refused to accept the separation package and decided to ask for a transfer to another location or division of the bank. She was approaching 51 years and she considered herself to be a difficult hire. She was aware that the job market was tough and since she did not further her education post secondary school, her chances were limited.

I asked her why did her position suddenly become redundant. She told me that she refused to offer customers credit cards and loan facilities. She said that she lamented the indebtedness of the customers in the queue to pay off their credit cards. It was a refreshing view, that a bank employee did not believe in taking credit cards and loan facilities when it was not needed.

It is loan sale time. As the Christmas season approaches, there are jingles on all radio stations with loan promotions. I visited the bank to make my loan application. The loans officer offered me a credit card and $20,000 extra. I told her that I had no use for $20,000 cash currently. This also meant a longer period to repay the loan. I asked her whether the additional $20,000 could be placed in a mutual fund. That way, a lower interest rate would be offered. Also, the bank will hold the $20,000 as collateral. I agreed to this proposition.

A word to the wise, you may be offered a credit card or additional money by your friendly, neighborhood banker. But remember that if you do not need it, do not take it. The banks thrive on excessive interest rates and credit card late fees. If you do not need it, do not take it.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

What are you worrying about, you have me, he reassured. I listened to the differently abled man on the bus. He was telling his friend that he knew of a program that could earn $60,000 a year. He was explaining this to the man and trying to get him to invest in the program as well. The man was being cautious and expressing his concerns. But the differently abled man was hopeful to get an additional person to join under his leadership. Although I do not trust these multi level marketing schemes, I was pleased by the question. “What are you worrying about?”. The question makes absolute sense.

What is there to gain from worrying? Absolutely nothing. The outcome is simply distress and sleepless nights. While the subject of your worry is not in the least bit concerned about you. I refuse to destroy my body by consuming harmful substances and in the same breath, I refuse to harm my mind and body, by worrying about things that I cannot control.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

It’s not the destination, it’s the ride. I saw a bus and decided to take a ride to Chaguanas, this is considered to be in the central part of the island of Trinidad. The bus had a sign that read “Montrose”. I was not a 100% that this bus would take me where I needed to go, nevertheless, I entered.

I observed that he took a detour that buses heading to South Trinidad would take. I felt like a tourist in my country. Instead of proceeding along the highway, he drove along one of the main streets, thereby encountering traffic.

The other passengers were mainly elderly persons, and they were elated to see each other. I saw a familiar police station and realised that I was in fact familiar with the area. However, to arrive at my destination, I would need to take a maxi taxi.

It felt like a joyride that was misguided.

I began thinking, sometimes we see an opportunity that appears to be something that it is not. We are lured by the immediate gratification offered. When we do in fact take the opportunity, we are disappointed. In the event that this happens, try to catch a connecting flight or ride and make your dreams come through.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

I have been spending a lot of time with a colleague who has resigned from a job after 6 years. It is like watching someone suffer from a bad break up. Almost every conversation involves a mention of an incident that occurred at the former place of employment or a former coworker.

My mother had a bad experience at a certain job and everyday she mentions the former employer’s name. One year has passed since her last day and the wounds have not healed. She recites her feelings of being exploited and oppressed daily. I am certain that the employer does not consider her at all. Unhealthy work environments are similar to abusive relationships. You feel powerless, voiceless and unappreciated. The coworkers are toxic and negative, the management is biased and unfair. Sometimes the salary is merely enough to take you to work and back home.

My view is that if you are going to work everyday and still broke, you should leave that job and be broke at home. The salaries offered cannot match the rising costs of living. Further to that staff cannot take additional courses or purchase books to develop themselves when they are underpaid.

Signs that you are in a toxic work environment:

-Coworkers are bitter/negative;

-Staff are underpaid;

-No comradry;

-Management encourages competition at the expense of cooperation;

-You have sleepless nights;

-You consider resigning;

-You do not want to go to work.

In order to deal with some of the difficulties of a toxic work environment you can :

-Start job hunting;

-Put things in place then resign;

-Ask for a transfer;

-Change your desktop to a peaceful, serene picture;

-Take deep breaths during day;

-Listen to motivational videos during day;

-Meditate;

-Instead of smoke breaks, take a walk.

Remember, at a job, you are replaceable. This is your life, the only one that you have. It is a waste to spend this life doing something that you hate.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management. Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

The mind is a terrible thing to waste. It is better than any app that may be developed and is oftentimes never used to optimum capacity. Our species has the luxury of being able to think. Yet very few think critically. I long for conversations with original ideas and thoughts. Instead I am always asked whether I have seen the latest trending videos. If you want to earn money that you never earned before, you must change your thinking.

Average people earn average incomes. Extraordinary people have a huge pay day. I do not know a successful person who is bitter and negative. They are always optimistic and fun to be around, even magnetic. You must believe in yourself first. You must believe in your success and future happiness. You must visualize it, then work to make that vision a reality.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management . Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

She carried a radiant smile on her face and her heart danced when she saw her friend approaching. Her friend asked whether she was taking a trip for a week when observed her large bag. Without being asked, her friend took the bag by the left handle while the elderly lady held the right handle. They then placed the bag on the bench and both waited for the bus. I looked at them and marveled.

That was a great illustration of true friendship. Without having to ask for help, a true friend will gaze into your eyes and see that your soul is troubled. They will help you to carry the burdens as they come. It is a partnership where each person feels valued and eager to help. I am grateful that I have a similar friend who sticks closer than a brother.

I beg of you , if you have a true friend, cherish him or her.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in AML/CFT and Fraud Risk Management. Website : http://asydneygroup.com.

Do more than survive, live. Take that risk, confess your love, take a chance, be vulnerable. Life can sometimes be scary, but what is the worst that can happen, you die? It is a chance that I am willing to take. Each day is what you make it out to be. There is no such day as a bad day or a good day. It is the same 24 hours. The only change is you. Yesterday may have taught you a lesson. But the days are generally the same. You have the power over the day. Refuse to start your day by reading newspapers that sensationalize bad news. Reading this does nothing for your soul. Same goes for watching a news broadcast before going to bed. There is no publicizing of good news.You must decide what your mind consumes and refuse to feed yourself poison. Seize the day, your day.

The author is an attorney at law based in Trinidad.She specialises in Anti Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. Website : http://asydneygroup.com.